From Duck Blinds to Business: The Hunt Repellent Story (Ep 812)

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Sometimes the best outdoor products start with a simple question: “Why hasn’t anyone fixed this yet?”

Host Wade Shoemaker sits down with Gabe Fontenot, founder of Hunt Repellent, to talk about entrepreneurship, duck hunting traditions in Southwest Louisiana, and building one of the fastest-growing outdoor brands in the industry.

Growing up around the rice fields and marshes of Louisiana, Gabe developed a lifelong passion for waterfowl hunting. After finding success in corporate sales, he launched Hunt Repellent with a mission to create a DEET-free alternative designed specifically for outdoorsmen and women. The conversation covers the challenges of starting a company from scratch, navigating product development and EPA approval, growing a business at a rapid pace, and building a brand that resonates with hunters.

The discussion also explores family hunting traditions, teal hunting culture, entrepreneurship, customer service, and the lessons Gabe has learned while scaling a business and staying connected to the outdoors he loves.

Topics Covered

Growing up duck hunting in Southwest LouisianaTeal season culture and rice field huntingBuilding Hunt Repellent from the ground upDeveloping a DEET-free insect repellentEntrepreneurship and business growthBalancing corporate experience with startup lifePerry Outfitters and serving local huntersThe future of Hunt RepellentWhy authenticity matters in business and hunting